The Newcastle Jets have today re-signed striker Joel Griffiths on a 3-year contract that will see him become the club’s marquee player from next season. The deal will potentially see last season’s Johnny Warren Medalist and Golden Boot Winner stay with the reigning Hyundai A-League Champions for the remainder of his career.
The Newcastle Jets have today re-signed striker Joel Griffiths on a 3-year contract that will see him become the club-s marquee player from next season. The deal will potentially see last season-s Johnny Warren Medalist and Golden Boot Winner stay with the reigning Hyundai A-League Champions for the remainder of his career.
Griffiths, who turned 29 in August, has been a talisman for the Jets since joining the club in 2006 from Leeds United in England. The enigmatic front-man has also enjoyed spells with Neuchatel Xamax in Switzerland as well as Sydney United, Parramatta Power, and Newcastle United in Australia-s former National Soccer League competition.
This significant moment in the Newcastle Jets- short history comes the week after Griffiths made his 50th appearance for the club in the Hyundai A-League. During this time, Griffiths has compiled a sensational goals-to-games ratio, scoring 24 times at almost a goal every second game.
A crowd favourite since his return to the Hunter region, the striker has developed a cult-like following which continues to bring Novocastrians through the turnstiles in droves. There is no doubt that this latest development in Griffiths- career will see his popularity reach levels scarcely seen on the Australian football landscape.
Newcastle Jets CEO John Tsatsimas could today no longer hold his excitement after an extensive negotiation process.
“It-s certainly a monumental moment for the club and for Joel. I-m pleased to announce that we have secured the services of such a fine player until the conclusion of the 2011/2012 season.”
“We believe that Joel is a superb ambassador for the sport and for this great city. He plays with pride, he plays with passion, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. That-s been the main reason that he has been so popular with our fans, and we are proud to have him as part of the Newcastle Jets well into the future,” he said.
Tsatsimas also stated that the long-term signing of Griffiths will compliment the long-term deals signed last week by the club-s Head coach Gary van Egmond and Assistant coach Mark Jones.
“Hopefully this is a moment which becomes a platform which will ensure the long-term stability and success of our club. We have already achieved significant milestones in our history; making the A-League Finals in each of the first three seasons, and of course becoming Champions last season. We believe that this decision will see us continue on that path of success as we develop.”
“We, of course, wish nothing but the best for Joel and believe that he will continue on with the fine form that he has shown, particularly in recent years,” Mr. Tsatsimas said.
Joel Griffiths Profile
Date of birth August 21, 1979
Place of birth Sydney, Australia
Playing position Striker
Playing History
Year Club Appearances (Goals)
1997-1999 Sydney United 28 (8)
1999-2001 Parramatta Power 51 (15)
2001-2003 Newcastle United 46 (25)
2003-2006 Neuchatel Xamax 72 (4)
2006 Leeds United 2 (0)
2006-present Newcastle Jets 50 (24)
2008 Avispa Fukuoka (loan) 4 (3)
Achievements
• 2007/2008 Johnny Warren Medalist
• 2007/2008 Golden Boot Winner
• 2007/2008 Hyundai A-League Champions – Newcastle Jets
• 3 Socceroos caps, scoring 1 goal
